Indy Gay Market uplifts LGBTQ+ artists, makers, and small business owners by providing equitable, artist-led vendor markets in Indianapolis. Through inclusive events, strategic partnerships, and year-round advocacy, we create economic opportunities, foster community engagement, and celebrate queer identity. By uniting art, commerce, and activism, we empower queer entrepreneurs and strengthen our community.

Indy Gay Market not only provides economic opportunities for the 2SLGBTQ+ community but also creates a space for them to thrive. Our events foster environments where diverse forms of artistic expression are celebrated, and where community members can connect, support one another, and feel empowered.

Through intentional vendor selection, strategic collaborations, and ongoing advocacy, we remain focused on creating spaces that celebrate queer identity, provide critical resources, and promote economic empowerment.

Big Gay Market, in Indianapolis, started as an event series led by LGBTQ+ artist Meghan Curran. The inaugural event on July 31, 2021, featured 57 queer identifying vendors offering art, crafts, and handmade goods. The success of this event led to additional markets in 2021 and 2022, establishing the need for a space where queer artists can come together to share their work with the community.

In August 2022, Curran handed over the curation of the event to LGBTQ+ artist Hannah Hadley. After becoming the lead organizer, she rebranded the market as “Indy Gay Market” to reflect its expanding mission, alignment with Indy Pride, and to differentiate from other Big Gay Markets appearing in other states across the USA. Through community networking, Hadley has formed an 11-member team consisting of LGBTQ+ artists and organizers who assist with event planning, branding, and outreach. This solidified identity and growth led to an influx of vendor applications, with nearly 200 applications per event, underscoring the need for queer-focused markets.

 In 2023, Indy Gay Market formalized a partnership with Indy Pride, gaining nonprofit support via fiscal sponsorship and essential resources like financial management, marketing, and event equipment. Since 2023, Indy Gay Market has hosted six events annually at various venues, partnering with local businesses to create accessible, community-focused spaces. Venues such as The AMP at 16 Tech and Monument Circle have hosted some of Indy Gay Market's largest gatherings.

Community engagement has remained central to our mission, with efforts led by Hadley and Community Partner Coordinator Winnie Maxwell. The market regularly invites advocacy groups, nonprofits, and grassroots initiatives to participate in events, offering educational resources, social services, and support to attendees. Event attendance has grown from 100-200 to 600+ per event, with the 2023 Valentine’s Day Market seeing over 1,200 attendees, it is clear that the Indianapolis community cares deeply about our events.